The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Sunday, January 25, announced the list of personalities to be conferred with the Padma Awards 2026, naming Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur among the recipients of the Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.
This year’s list includes five Padma Vibhushan, 13 Padma Bhushan, and 113 Padma Shri awardees across fields. Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur were recognised in the Sports category for their sustained contributions and leadership in Indian cricket.
Indian cricketers Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur will be conferred the Padma Shri in 2026, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs announced on January 25. The honour recognises their contributions to Indian cricket and places them among the country’s most distinguished sportspersons.
About the Honourees
Rohit Sharma | Sports
Rohit Sharma, one of India’s most accomplished batters, has scored over 20,000 international runs across formats. A multiple-time ICC title-winning captain, he is also the only player with three ODI double centuries. His longevity and leadership have made him a central figure in Indian cricket over the past decade.
Harmanpreet Kaur | Sports
Harmanpreet Kaur is a trailblazer in women’s cricket and a long-serving captain for India. She became the first Indian woman to score a T20 International century and has led India to landmark performances on the global stage, inspiring a new generation of women cricketers.
What This Means for Guwahati
Cricket enjoys a strong following in Guwahati, with the ACA Stadium hosting international fixtures and major domestic matches. The Padma Shri recognition for Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur resonates with local fans, academies, and young players across Assam who look up to national icons for inspiration.
Padma Awards 2026: The Process
The Padma Awards are announced annually ahead of Republic Day, but the medals are presented later in the year. The formal ceremony will take place at Rashtrapati Bhavan, where the honours will be conferred by Droupadi Murmu.
What Happens Next
The official investiture ceremony dates are expected to be announced in the coming months. With the honours confirmed, the focus now shifts to the formal presentation later in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When were Rohit Sharma and Harmanpreet Kaur announced as Padma Shri recipients?
They were announced on January 25, 2026, by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs as part of the Padma Awards list.
Q2. When will the Padma Shri medals be presented?
The medals will be presented later in 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, by the President of India.
